Driver charged with DUI in crash that killed 2 children on bicycles

Incident occurred in Spartanburg County, South Carolina on Sunday afternoon.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:57am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered bicycle reflector against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the tragedy of a fatal crash involving children on bicycles.The aftermath of a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two children on bicycles, exposing the devastating human toll of impaired driving.Spartanburg Today

A driver has been charged with DUI, open container, and driving without a license after a crash that killed two children riding bicycles on the sidewalk in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, when the driver's car ran off the roadway and struck the 12-year-old and 9-year-old victims, who died at the hospital. One person inside the vehicle was also injured.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the need for increased road safety measures to protect vulnerable road users like children on bicycles. It also raises questions about enforcement and penalties for drivers without valid licenses.

The details

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday along Asheville Highway at Brock Street in Spartanburg County. A car driven by Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez ran off the roadway and struck the two children who were riding bicycles on the sidewalk. Both the 12-year-old and 9-year-old victims died at the hospital. One person inside Roblero-Perez's vehicle was also injured and taken to the local hospital. Roblero-Perez has been charged with two counts of felony DUI, open container, and driving without a license.

  • The crash occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The two child victims, aged 12 and 9, died at the hospital following the incident.

The players

Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez

The 35-year-old driver who has been charged with two counts of felony DUI, open container, and driving without a license in relation to the crash that killed the two children.

South Carolina Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the fatal crash.

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What they’re saying

“This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the need for increased road safety measures to protect vulnerable road users like children on bicycles.”

— Chloe McCoy, Reporter

What’s next

Roblero-Perez is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges related to the crash. Authorities will also likely review road safety policies and enforcement procedures to determine if any changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking crash serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address impaired driving and protect vulnerable road users, especially children, through stronger laws, enhanced enforcement, and comprehensive road safety initiatives in communities across the country.